Putin Outlines Preconditions for Termination of Military Operations in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has clarified that the cessation of military operations in Ukraine is contingent upon the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region. The statement was delivered during a press conference held in Bishkek on November 27.

President Putin emphasized, “Military activities will cease solely upon the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territories they currently occupy. In the absence of such withdrawal, Russia will pursue the objective through military means.”

While asserting Moscow’s readiness to engage in negotiations, Putin indicated that under the present circumstances, a legally enforceable agreement is not feasible. Furthermore, he questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alleging that the Ukrainian leadership “avoided elections and committed a strategic error.”

“There is no substantive value in formalizing agreements. The current Ukrainian administration has not legally extended its executive authority,” he stated.

Legal Framework in Ukraine

President Zelensky’s constitutionally mandated five-year term officially concluded on May 20, 2024. However, Ukrainian legislation prohibits the conduct of presidential, parliamentary, and local elections during a state of martial law. Article 108 of the Ukrainian Constitution stipulates that the incumbent president retains executive authority until the inauguration of a duly elected successor. Consequently, Zelensky’s exercise of presidential powers remains legally valid under international law.

Diplomatic Developments and U.S.-Ukraine Negotiations

President Putin referenced ongoing negotiations in Geneva between the United States and Ukraine, suggesting that their outcomes could serve as a framework for prospective agreements.

“The American delegation presented a 28-point proposal, organized into four thematic blocks, to the Russian side. No definitive resolution has been reached to date,” he stated.

Putin further noted that Russia is willing to provide formal assurances against military aggression in Europe, adding,

“Although this may seem implausible, we have no objections to formalizing such commitments in writing if requested.”

According to reports by Reuters, the initial U.S. 28-point plan was revised following consultations with Ukrainian authorities. Kyiv did not accede to Moscow’s three principal demands:

– Limitation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ size,

– Renunciation of NATO membership,

– Withdrawal from Donbas and its transfer to Russian control.

Despite President Zelensky’s efforts to discuss these matters directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Ukrainian proposals reportedly did not receive a response.